GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Benefice , n. [F. bénéfice, L. beneficium, a kindness , in LL. a grant of an estate, fr. L. beneficus beneficent; bene well + facere to do. See Benefit.]
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   A favor or benefit. [Obs.]
   Baxter.
   
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   (Feudal Law) An estate in lands; a fief.
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   ☞ Such an estate was granted at first for life only, and held on the mere good pleasure of the donor; but afterward, becoming hereditary, it received the appellation of fief, and the term benefice became appropriated to church livings.
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   An ecclesiastical living and church preferment, as in the Church of England; a church endowed with a revenue for the maintenance of divine service. See Advowson.
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   ☞ All church preferments are called benefices, except bishoprics, which are called dignities. But, ordinarily, the term dignity is applied to bishoprics, deaneries, archdeaconries, and prebendaryships; benefice to parsonages, vicarages, and donatives.
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2.       
   Benefice, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Beneficed.] To endow with a benefice. [Commonly in the past participle.]
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